Submitted by heretic_lez t3_10pptne in vermont
My friend wants to try skiing for the first time. I have never been to Cochran’s but could I take her there for cheap and teach her some basics? Or is it just a learn-to-ski place where you have to take lessons to be there?
Cochran’s only does rentals if you take a lesson. It’s possible to request Barbara Ann. She teaches Sundays.
Barbara Ann taught my wife and I in our 40's and she was an absolutely lovely person and wonderful teacher. Not to mention Olympic Gold medalist. Cochran's gets my vote for starting out.
You don't have to take lessons at Cochran’s but if you do you might just be lucky enough to get an Olympic gold medalist to teach you.
That was my son's experience when he was learning to ski. Barbara Ann personally showed him the right way to put on his boots and how to use the tow rope and most importantly how to stop! All for the cost of a lift ticket and renting the boots and skis.
I'll follow up with that this was 10+ years ago, their polices may well have changed since then. We just happened to be there on a slow day and I had no idea at the time who the lady helping us was.
Policies haven’t changed at all. They’re just happy if people are skiing!
Cochran’s website states they are not doing rentals this year fyi if you’re looking to rent. I would suggest Smuggs, you can get a Morse Mtn only ticket for a pretty good price and that allows you to get on the magic carpet. Teaching a first timer to get on the carpet will be way easier and less tiring than a rope tow. You could spend a good part of a day just teaching someone to use the rope tow and tbar. I know because I grew up skiing at Hard’ack in St. Albans. If you’re looking for cheap, Hard’ack is the way to go since they run off donations of any amount (you don’t have to donate to go), you just need to have your own equipment, or rent else where. Hard’ack only has a tow rope though, but again it’s free.
Will never forget the first time I went to a rope tow. I was like 12 years old, but had been snowboarding for 6 or 7 years. In other words, I was quite competent. Holy cow—that thing threw me into next week. I was wildly embarrassed.
Middlebury snow bowl is another option. The magic carpet/bunny hill is free, so you’d only have to pay for rentals.
Do you value your friendship? Get her lessons. Perhaps you can take over once the fundamentals are solid.
I find I am personally more helpful in dealing with the anxiety aspect of skiing. Helping people get over and through the fear of gaining speed, dealing with others around (behind) you, and focusing on the eventual benefits while keeping expectations in check. None of that stuff is teachable until the fundamentals are there.
Lol do you need help tying your own shoes too? Anyone can teach skiiing
Jay Peak has free magic carpets as well.
Set her up with a lesson at Cochran's. The people there are super friendly and great teachers.
Rent at ski and snowboard express in Richmond then head to Cochran’s.
A lesson is worthwhile. Sling well and teaching someone to ski are completely different skills!
Ok-Title-270 t1_j6lt21a wrote
She 100 percent should take a lesson. It's not as easy as you think to teach someone the basics